Category: The Gilded Stage 2010


Autumn is here in all it’s Orange! Yellow! And Red Beauty!                                                                                                                                                                                  The curtain of multilayered grey and rain is falling upon us as we quickly move towards that season where families gather and feasts are made. I don’t know about the rest of you, but the holidays have always been a source of stress and anxiety for me, so I love to focus on something else… and what could be a better diversion than putting ones love and effort into the supportive and caring organization Treehouse, who do so much for children in the greater Seattle area who live in Foster Care.

This is the second year that I have encouraged my peers in the performing and music community to join me in doing what we can to reach out to the young creative souls in our region. We may not be able to foster these young people on a daily basis with roofs over their heads or with food in their mouths, but I am delighted we can foster their creative beings with the humble and mostly anonymous gift of a semester or dance music class.

It feels very personal or is it intimate, to reach out and support or inspire creativity in a young human who may very well feel alone or isolated in a world where so much is unknown. Fostering a creative skill could provide a young person with a foundation within this young human that exists nowhere else, and be a comfort, as we could never understand. So the long and short of it is please come out and support our fundraiser at The Triple Door next week in what ever way you can.

I am currently working on facilitating a gifting program of instruments or the donation of teaching skills to the Little Wishes Program that directly addresses the creativity of these young people in our community who live in Foster Care. If this is of interest to you please write me via paula@swedishhousewife.com so I can help direct your contribution of equipment or your very valuable time to the correct channels. Please research Treehouse as there are many opportunities to support this wonderful organization.

I want to thank in advance my fellow participants in this years event, Kurt Bloch, Jim and Johnny Sangster, Carmella, Drew Church, The Basements, The Shanghai Pearl, Annabella Kirby and Lushy, Maggie Savarino, Kaleb Hagen-Kerr and The Witness, Martha Enson, Belle Cozette, Ernie Von Schmaltz, Iva Handfull, Barbra Ireland, Mark Pickerel, Heather Mayhew, Lydia McLane, Liz Cortez, Wiggy Stardust, Gil Bar-Sela, Bertie! and of course The Triple Door!!!

BUY TICKETS HERE !                                                                                                                                                                                                                          MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT HERE!

I’m an honored to be joining up with Three Dollar Bill Cinema to extend a limited offer joint cover to attend both of the spectacular Joey Arias events to hit  Seattle this October!

For $25 you can attend both “Strange Fruit” at The Triple Door October 12th, and the Docufantasy “Arias with a Twist”‘ at The Lesbian Gay Film Festival, October 16th at The Egyptian. Joey will be staying on after his performance at The Triple Door to attend the screening on Saturday and partake in a Q&A.

To take advantage of this offer please call The Triple Door Box Office 206- 838-4333 and use the code ” Holiday” to make your reservation. You will receive a voucher to attend the screening on October 16, when you check in with the hostess at The Triple Door to attend “Strange Fruit”.

October 12th – Joey Arias and Eliot Douglass in “Strange Fruit”

Tuesday October 12, 7:30 PM The Triple Door

For those of you who are uninitiated to the magic that Joey Arias conjures up when he takes the stage to sing the songs of Billie Holiday you are in for a treat and will be delighted by this sublime 90 minute sojourn of song and banter.  A dear friends mother (now in her 80’s) came to see the show last year sums it up best “ I never thought I would live to see Billie Holiday perform live!” or Christopher Frizelle of The Stranger “It will blow your fucking head open! ”, mind bending indeed. Read more about this event HERE

October 16th – Arias With A Twist : The Docufantasy

Saturday, October 16, 5:00PM , The Egyptian Theatre

Bobby Sheehan; 2010; US; 88 min.

When legendary performance artist Joey Arias and internationally renowned puppeteer Basil Twist collaborated to make the avant-garde show “Arias with a Twist,” the result was a trip into the dreamworld imaginations of two extraordinary artists. In between jaw-droppingly beautiful scenes from the show’s world tour, this Docufantasy explores the lives and art of both Arias and Twist. Along the way, we met their friends and collaborators, including Andy Warhol, David Bowie, Klaus Nomi, Jim Henson, Keith Haring, Grace Jones, Elvira, Pee-wee Herman, Paula the Swedish Housewife, and many others. Be prepared for a groundbreaking, magical, and surreal experience! Read more about this event HERE

Dueling Lemons

I am not sure who is going to be more worn out by this act, Miss Indigo Blue, Leroi the Girl Boi or YOU the audience?

The Lemon Act is the most High-energy act in “House of Thee UnHoly”  and these ladies will squeeze very ounce of energy out of themselves, their lemons, each other and you before their act is through.

Both these lovelies came to the show with their own versions of “The Lemon Song” that they had been performing as solos. I invited them to combine their acts for “House of Thee UnHoly #2″ and they have been performing it ever since when possible (they live on different coasts). Indigo created her’s for Ellen Forney‘s book release “I Heart Led Zepplein”, Leroi created hers to compete at The Burlesque Hall of Fame.

Together they bring a new twist to their individual acts and have created a Feral Off The Hook 6 minute and 20 second act that will leave you wet!  Don’t be a sour puss come see this “Dueling Lemon Act” at  The Triple Door September 23-25 ! Buy Tickets !

These photos of Miss Indigo Blue and Leroi The Girl Boi were taken by Michael Doucette in 2008

House of Thee UnHoly Returns!!!

And how auspicious to be opening on The Autumnal Equinox with a Spectacular Full Moon in Aries! To celebrate I am releasing a limited amount of $10 tickets  (reg$25) for the September 23 performance at The Triple Door. Please use the code “Rock and Roll” over the phone 206-838-4333 or while visiting the Triple Door box office in person, to receive this linted time offer. Sorry not valid on tickets previously purchased.

House of Thee UnHoly includes 13 Dancers,3 Singers and 5 Musicians who take you on a 90 minute epic psychedelic 70′s trip down memory lane of nonstop Sex! Drugs! And Rock & Roll!! That will leave you dazed, confused and ecstatic! This collaborative production draws from a kaleidoscopic disciplinary range of virtuoso actors, singers, musicians, and talented modern, ballet and burlesque dancers.  The incredibly accomplished cast of 21 vanguard contributors each bring unique magic to this landmark Rock-lesque extravaganza where Righteous Rock meets Busby Berkeley and Benny Hill . Now in it’s 4th year!!!

Dancers- Waxie Moon, Lily Verlaine, Miss Indigo Blue, Miss Inga Ingenue, Lou Henry Hoover, Heidi Von Haught, Polly Wood, Leroi The Girl Boi- NYC, Gerard Delacroix, Douglas Ridings, Paris Original, Lydia McLane our “Living Loving Maid” and The Swedish Housewife

Sirens on Thee Rocks -  Sarah Rudinoff, Nick Garrison, Jen Ayers

Thee Mighty Arms of Thor- Darren Loucas Lead – Guitar & Harmonica, Andy Stoller – Bass, Charlie Lorme – Drums, Ryan Burns – Keyboards, Paul Fisher – Rhythm Guitar

“Broadway Level Burlesque”  – The Seattle Weekly

Five shows  performed over three days – September 23, 8PM  17+ / September 24 & 25 , 7:30 17+ & 10PM 21+

The Triple Door

216 Union Street

Seattle WA,  98101

I am delighted that I could help facilitate the screening of  “Arias with a Twist”: The Docufantasy at The Three Dollar Bill Cinemas : Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival- October 16th at The Egyptian Theater. This film Premièred at The Berlin Film Festival in January and was screened at the Tribecca Film Festival in May. I am so excited to have it here in Seattle this Fall while Joey Arias and Eliot Douglas are making their annual “Strange Fruit” appearance at The Triple Door October 12th, as part of my Gilded Stage season. Joey will be staying on to attend the screening and participate in a Q & A after the film.

“Arias with a Twist”: The Docufantasy is about the collaboration of Joey Arias and Basil Twist , and their creation of the International Award winning stage production “Arias with a Twist” and a biography of the artist themselves.  The film was made by my friend Bobby Sheehan of Working Pictures, and it is his “ love letter to the arts and to the creative spirit that endures in artists like Joey Arias and Basil Twist”.  Bobby grew up on New York City’s Lower East Side in the 70’s with his single teen Mom and knows the courage of people living outside the box first hand. “Arias with a Twist” : The Docufantasy  “ is a tribute to all those people who somehow survive, create, entertain and inspire despite, or maybe because of, what life throws their way.”

Please enjoy this trailer from the documentary:

More information will be available about cross promotional tickets for these events soon.

This beautiful poster was made by Scott Ewalt.

Bambi The Mermaid

Bambi The Mermaid is not your average Chicken of The Sea, and she has the most astounding costumes related to the Sea to prove it. I could have booked an entire show just with her, but you will only get to see two of her delightful Sea Crustaceans at The Seafarer Follies this year… too bad we don’t have a tank on the stage.  This stunning photo by Andrew Brusso is a little preview (though she’s not wearing so much of her costume any more in it) of what you can expect August 6th and 7th at The Triple Door. This photo was taken at the former home of Dixie Evans in Helebdale CA, known to us Burlesque geeks as “Exotic World” where we used to trundle out to before the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum, Pageant and Dixie were moved to Las Vegas in 2005.

photo by Don Spiro
Yes!!! IT’S TRUE!!!!!!!!!!

That bumpin and grinding primate is headed to Seattle to perform at The First Annual Seafarer Follies this August the 6th and 7th. He’ll be hanging from the rafters, singing a song and frolicking with his Sexy and Sassy counter part Trixie Little.

This last June he won the category of “Best Boylesque”  at The Burlesque Hall of Fame Striptease Reunion 2010,  and I wanted to share these amazing photographs he sent me that Mike Lee took of him.

photo by Don Spiro

Can’t sleep at night as you ponder who Waxie Moon (as King Neptune) will crown as the first ever Royal Sea Urchin on August 7th at The Triple Door during The First Annual Seafarer Follies?!

What does it take to be The Royal Sea Urchin?

Style, Poise, Grace and Eloquence as “The One who wears the Crown” will have Royal Duties throughout Our Little Fishing Village during their one-year reign.

What are the Duties of The Royal Sea Urchin?

The Royal Sea Urchin will carry the Sprit of Summer for four seasons,  making appearances at major arts events and festivities, be the Spokespersons and Representative of this Alternative Summertime Celebration.

Duties Thus Far Include:

Pressing the Official Clock for 14/48 ” The Worlds Quickest Theater Festival” in January

Opening The Moisture Festival with an official blessing

Cutting The Ribbon to start The Solstice Parade

Who Qualifies to Compete?

Any human over the age of 21

Come dressed to the 9 Fathoms in your most outrageous Nautical, Aquatic, Flyboy, Flygirl, Sailor, Sea Captain, Mermaid, Merman, or “you make it up” costume to win prizes and the prestigious year-long title of Royal Sea Urchin!


What will you have to do in the competition?

Come walk the stage on either Friday or Saturday night and say “Hello” to your adoring Court

You will be scored by our panel of Local Celebrity Judges!

El Vez-  The Mexican Elvis

Lily Verlaine – The Living Breathing Work of Art

Maque Davis – Producer of The Freemont Solstice Parade

Scotty The Blue Bunny – Yes!!! He lives here now!

More to come…..

Three contestants from Friday night will be invited back Saturday evening for the final selection and Crowing of  “The Royal Sea Urchin”.

Please e-mail paula@swedishhousewife.com  to register yourself to compete on either night.

May the Lucky Star Fish be with you!

It was so much fun last year , we are doing it again and just in time for the Holiday Gift Giving Season!

Our Horn of Plenty is filled with the inexhaustible and celebratory talents of an All Star Studded Seattle cast!! Hand plucked by The Swedish Housewife from various creative Seattle communities collectively making one heck of a cross pollinated line up as never seen before and never to be seen again!

For one night only!!!!  The Basements, Lushy, and The Witness will be doling out the soul filled beats and accompanying the various talents of Aerialist and Rope Artist - Martha Enson, The Temptress from Taipei – The Shanghai Pearl, The Man! The Myth! The Mustache ! - Ernie Von Schmaltz, A Modern Heathen of The Burlesque World- Iva Handfull, The Swedish Housewife and Bertie, with Special Guest Vocalists- Barbara Ireland and Mark Pickerel of The Praying Hands and The Tripwires. Co hosted by Kaleb Hagan Kerr and The Swedish Housewife.

This event will benefit Treehouse‘s “Little Wishes Program”*. As Performing artists and musicians we will be purchasing as many Dance Classes and Music Lessons as possible with the funds raised. We are also seeking volunteers for Teaching as well donations of functional Musical Instruments, please contact The Swedish Housewife directly about this paula@swedishhousewife.com

Bring your Check Book and Cash! You will have plenty of opportunities to GIVE to Treehouse!
Treehouse is a 501(c)(3) organization; 100% of all check and cash donations are tax deductible, ticket sales are not. We will be joined by a representative from Treehouse who will be collecting all cash and check donations at the event.

*All performers will receive a small honorarium for their participation in this event, as artists need financial support too!

“Strange Fruit”

A dear friend’s 80-year-old mother sums it up best…. ” I never thought I would live to see Billie Holiday perform live!”

Legendary underground entertainer-turned international cabaret sensation Joey Arias returns to Seattle’s historic Triple Door theatre once again, for an evening of signature song and banter, accompanied by his longtime pianist and creative co-conspirator, Eliot Douglass. Fresh from a five-year run as emcee/”Mistress of Seduction” for Zumanity: the Sultry Side of Cirque de Soleil, a role created expressly for him, Arias is the 2009 recipient of GLAAD’s “Off Off Broadway” Award for Arias With a Twist, an intimate “cabinet of curiosities” melding Arias’ legendary voice with puppeteer Basil Twist’s lavish, ecstatic visual creations.

For one night only, Arias and Douglass will appear at the Triple Door, performing original works alongside the material of Ms. Holiday–as only Joey Arias can conjure her. A two-time “Critic’s Choice” and “Pick of the Week” (Los Angeles Times), Seattle Gay News writer Sara Michelle Fetters said this of his last Triple Door performance:  “To say he left victorious would be something of an understatement… the only thing strange about this particular fruit is just how darn brilliant he really is.” -SGN, April 9 ’08

Outrageous and avant-garde, Joey’s one-of-kind voice and thoroughly modern take on the music of Ms. Holiday continues to bend minds, winning over music and theatre lovers all across the planet. He has been featured at such diverse spaces as NYC’s hallowed Carnegie Hall and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has collaborated with countless influential artists, including David Bowie and the late Klaus Nomi.

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